A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Practice of Complementary Feeding among Mothers of Infants of a Selected Hospital

Methods A cross sectional non experimental descriptive design was adopted for this study. A purposive sampling was applied for selection of samples. A structured interview schedule and self reported rating scale was designed and the association between sociodemographic variables and knowledge and practice of mothers was assessed using statistical inferences. BackgroundNutrition affects development as much as development affects nutrition. According to UNICEF, every year 1 million children die under the age of five due to malnutrition related causes in India. An estimated six percent under five deaths can be prevented by ensuring optimal complementary feeding. AimTo assess the knowledge and practice of complementary feeding among mothers of infants of a selected hospital ResultsMajority of the mothers had average knowledge (61.82 %) and average practice score (70 %). There was fair degree of linear relationship between knowledge and practice of mothers. A significant association was found between age of infant and nutritional pattern of infant with practice of mothers. Birth order of infant and knowledge of mothers was also significantly associated. ConclusionFindings suggest that knowledge and practice of mothers can be improved by planned teaching programmes and distribution of IEC material to be encouraged in hospitals and communities.